Preface

Do not be afraid

In the process of writing, I seem to constantly return to the past, seeing that small, bewildered self of mine standing at a crossroads, anxiously looking back, unable to see the way I came, unable to find a destination. Yet I believe that in some corner of the world, there must still be a you, experiencing the same joys and sorrows.

The original intention of writing this book, as I mentioned in my column, stems from my teenage years when I felt insecure, lonely, stubborn, sensitive, and had an exceptionally strong sense of self-esteem. I always felt lost and uneasy, believing that I was misunderstood, unloved, and unaccepted by the world, often crying in the deep of night. At that time, how I longed for someone to hold me and tell me that everything would be alright, that I was not alone, and that I was not the only one who had suffered like that

When I was young, I often liked to ask my parents while watching television whether a person was good or bad. They would always patiently correct me, saying that there are no absolute good people in the world, nor are there absolute bad people. You cannot evaluate a person solely based on good or bad.

A friend suggested that I consider using a different format, as relying solely on letters may lead to a monotonous expression that could be perceived as tedious. However, I insist on using this form because I am deeply enamored with the feeling of letter writing. This method of conveying information has not been eliminated for thousands of years precisely because it possesses a certain magic. It resembles a gleaming piece of amber, encapsulating time and tears.

Gradually, I have finally come to understand the meaning of this sentence... Kindness, honesty, integrity... The qualities of a good person that I believed in during my childhood, I once possessed as well: selfishness, hypocrisy, cunning... The characteristics of a bad person, they too appeared at some moment in my life

And now, I have finally made some progress and wish to share it with others. I want to be a shadow, accompanying you as you grow, steadfast and unwavering. One day, when you look back on your youth, you may recall that there was someone who wrote some words that moved you at that time, making you feel that the affairs of the world are not as difficult as they seem. Although the path ahead is shrouded in fog, it also inspires a sense of anticipation.

Each letter I write feels like experiencing a different life, one that belongs to others, yet is also mine

Choosing ten years as the timeframe is because it marks the tenth year of my writing career. Over these years, I have intermittently changed my pen name, editors, and magazines. I have always written very little, and my friends say that I am not very dedicated to writing. In reality, it is not the case; it was just that I was young at that time and had too little life experience, only able to write simple love stories. For me, writing was more about self-entertainment.

The universe possesses great beauty, and words embody serene beauty. My greatest wish is that my writing can provide strength to those who read it, even if just a little. As long as you have been moved, as long as you have been encouraged, that is already enough for me

In the next decade, we will walk together

The only thing I can speak of openly is that on the path of writing, I have always remained pure, never straying from my original intention, never letting myself down

However, when it comes to actually writing it, I realize that this book is quite difficult to write

The manga artist Yoshihiro Togashi, whom I admire, once said: Life, after all, is something that can be complete as long as there is sunshine, earth, and poetry

Choosing to write a letter to oneself is, in my opinion, the moment when a person is truly honest and unguarded in dialogue with oneself. Because in this world, the only one who can truly redeem you is yourself

In this lifetime, there are many things to learn: to be gentle, to understand deeply, to let go, and to love. However, the most important thing is to learn to live this life with an open heart. Loving oneself and coexisting peacefully with the soul residing within one's body is an unending practice.

Over the years, I have encountered many people, heard numerous stories, visited various places, yet the things I like and desire have become fewer and fewer. Is this what growth is?

Now, I have finally grown up, albeit with many imperfections and immaturities. However, I hope to be by your side, to tell you that everything will be alright, and that you are not alone

The journey is long and arduous, and I do not know where I will find myself. However, having met you, having walked a certain distance together, having shared some heartfelt words, and having enjoyed a few drinks, is already a great fortune. Thank you for being a part of my life

我在这里等你，从A到Z

But why use twenty-six letters to represent twenty-six themes? There isn't a particularly important reason; I simply find it interesting. Clearly, there are twenty-six letters, yet I only replied to twenty-five letters, leaving the remaining one for you. Write a letter to your future self ten years from now.

Let dreams be the horse, and seize the years with poetry and wine